Atchara
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Green papaya, peeled and shredded — 1
- Carrot, shredded — 1
- Red bell pepper, julienned — 1
- Onion, thinly sliced — 1
- Vinegar — 240 ml (8 fl oz)
- Sugar — 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Raisins — 35 g (1.25 oz)
Method
- Salt the shredded papaya and let sit for 20 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid.
- Combine the papaya with the carrot, bell pepper and onion in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the vinegar, sugar and salt until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables, add the raisins, and toss well.
- Transfer to a sterilised jar and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 day before serving for the best flavour.
Introduction: A tangy, sweet pickled green papaya relish, a classic Filipino accompaniment served alongside rich, grilled or fried dishes.
Cultural Background: Atchara is a staple condiment across Filipino tables, its bright, sweet-sour flavour offering a refreshing contrast to richer dishes like tapsilog and grilled meats, and it's often made in large batches to keep on hand.
Tips: Squeezing excess liquid from the salted papaya prevents the finished pickle from becoming too watery. Let the atchara marinate for at least a day, as the flavour develops significantly with time.
Variations: Add a few slices of ginger for extra warmth. Adjust the sugar and vinegar ratio to taste for a sweeter or tangier pickle.
Storage: Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Reheating: This is a cold pickle and is not reheated.
FAQs:
Q: What is atchara typically served with?
A: Grilled or fried dishes like tapsilog, lechon and other rich Filipino mains, as a tangy palate-cleanser.
Q: How long does atchara keep?
A: Properly stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for about a month, as the vinegar acts as a natural preservative.
- Green papaya, peeled and shredded — 1
- Carrot, shredded — 1
- Red bell pepper, julienned — 1
- Onion, thinly sliced — 1
- Vinegar — 240 ml (8 fl oz)
- Sugar — 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Raisins — 35 g (1.25 oz)
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